Levels of Cultural Activity: Differences by Type of Roommate

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Abstract

One recent trend in colleges and universities across the nation is the
internationalization of higher education. This internationalization has taken form in two
different areas: (a) the curriculum and (b) the co-curriculum. The curricular realm has
responded by offering additional or new programs in languages and area studies as well as
opportunities to study abroad. The co-curricular realm has also responded in the construction
of international centers, and the development of international-style programming and
international theme housing.

One component of the co-curricular realm, international theme housing, has enabled
American students to experience a living arrangement with a cross-cultural focus.
Researchers have explored the impact this type of arrangement can make in the lives of
students during their college career. However, no extensive research has been conducted to
see if a connection can be made between roommate pairings and cultural activity.

The purpose of this study was to examine the cultural activity of two groups of
American students. Cultural activity was defined in this study as: (a) a focus on international
issues in academic work, (b) establishing and maintaining relations with non-American
people, and (c) participating in events with an international theme. The two groups of
students included Americans with International Roommates and Americans with
non-International Roommates. The study compared the levels of cultural activity between
participants in the two groups.

To discover the differences in cultural activity between these two groupings of
students, a series of logs were created for participants to record their daily activities. These
logs included sections for participants to record classes, assignments in classes, use of media,
social interactions, and social activities. The researcher recruited 30 participants (15
participants with an international roommate and 15 participants with a non-international
roommate) to complete these logs. Data were collected over a two-week period. Participants
were also asked questions in an exit interview.

Results revealed only limited differences in the levels of cultural activity between the
two groups. The findings suggest that living with an international student does not promote
higher levels of cultural activity among American college students.